Round-the-Clock Purple and Gold

Andrew Goudelock to receive more playing time

He's never played point guard in high school or college. He remains more of a shooter than a playmaker. And he plays on the veteran-laden Lakers.

Yet, somehow rookie Andrew Goudelock has cracked the rotation as the Lakers' main backup behind Derek Fisher. Goudelock's career-high 14-point performance on five-for-nine shooting in 20 minutes in the Lakers' 96-91 victory Wednesday over the Clippers prompted Lakers Coach Mike Brown to make a bold proclamation following Thursday's practice.

"He's earned the right to continue to try to play," Brown said of Goudelock. "What you guys saw yesterday, I feel he's capable of doing. Right now in a night-in-and-night-out basis, maybe not. I don't know. But he has a skillset that allows him to score the basketball and be effective like the way he did."

That involved shooting with confidence and in rhythm. Goudelock didn't over-dribble and made crisp passes to ensure smooth ball movement. And even if Goudelock never formally played the position, Brown believes his four-year experience at College of Charleston afforded him the experience to adapt.

The Lakers' latest lineup shuffle reflects on their lack of choices at point guard. Steve Blake remains sidelined because of a fracture connected to his rib and sternum. Rookie Darius Morris appeared too intent on dribbling and shooting than running the actual offense. And Brown readily conceded that he "rolled the dice" in seeing how Goudelock would respond.

Goudelock's flimsy standing remains present. Brown continually mispronounces Goudelock's name. Goudelock also was forced to wear No. 0 on his jersey because nearly every number was taken. But his sudden rise up the depth chart also speaks to his quick ability to adapt at a position he had played only in walk-through drills.

"I try to make it as simple as I can," Goudelock said. "You don't want to complicate things when they don't have to be so complicated. For me, it was run the plays, get the right people the ball and be open when they double team. Be ready when the ball comes to you and knock the shot down."